Dallas Mavericks forward Kostas Antetokounmpo witnessed his brother, Giannis Antetokounmpo, be crowned as the Most Valuable Player of the 2018-19 season, an honor he has looked forward to since it became a realm of his reality a few years ago.

Despite his humble beginnings in Athens, Greece, Kostas has seen his older brother inspire many others that are in his position, learning the sport at first and then developing into a star:

“It was a crazy experience,” Kostas told Eddie Sefko of Mavs.com. “It’s a goal he’s worked for his whole life. Seeing him win that makes me really proud and I’m happy for him. When you see a really skinny kid from Greece becoming that level, I feel like my brother gave hope to a lot of kids who want to learn how to play basketball.

“And he has no limits.”

Giannis boomed into the stratosphere of elite-level company by taking over the league from the very first game of the regular season, using his monstrous strides and deft finishing ability to put up a strong double-double, one he would average through the course of the season.

Article Continues Below
More Dallas Mavericks News
Tyrese Haliburton, Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Exclusive: The surprise superstar AAU ballers picked as NBA’s Face of the LeagueChris Dodson ·
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks at the American Airlines Center.
NBA rumors: Why Tim MacMahon ‘won’t dismiss’ Jason Kidd leaving Mavericks for KnicksJason Patt ·
Charlotte Hornets guard Dennis Smith Jr. (8) looks to pass as he is defended by Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Green (8) during the first half at the Spectrum Center.
Dallas Mavericks’ 10 worst NBA Draft day mistakes in historySpencer See ·
Mavericks Jason Kidd on left. New York Knicks 2025 logo on right. Question marks all over image.
How Mavericks, Knicks could discuss Jason Kidd trade after Tom Thibodeau firingJoey Mistretta ·
image thumbnail
NBA rumors: Lakers’ Austin Reaves trade strategy as 2 center targets emergeErik Slater ·
NBA commissioner is Adam Silver presents Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (not pictured) with the Michael Jordan Trophy for winning the most valuable player award for the 2024-25 season before game two of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Adam Silver sets record straight on Mavericks landing No. 1 pickBenedetto Vitale ·

The Greek Freak posted career highs in points (27.7), rebounds (12.5), assists (5.9) and field goal percentage (57.8%). These numbers coupled with an NBA-best record of 60 wins capped the award as his, trumping former MVP James Harden of the Houston Rockets.

Kostas, while still developing, is hoping to take inspiration from his brother as well and make a name for himself, just like many non-American players have in recent memory:

“International basketball,” said Kostas. “Luka won rookie of the year, Siakim, Gobert, Giannis … I’m really proud of that. It shows how much impact the NBA has globally and it shows players are playing at a high level all over the world.

“People like Dirk (Nowitzki) and Hakeem (Olajuwon) opened up the door for international players. They just have to work hard now and keep their heads down.”

Kostas made his NBA debut in 2018-19, appearing in just two games and now hoping to make a bigger impact in the NBA.